Proposed friendly match between Zimbabwe and AFCON hosts Cameroon has been called off.
The Warriors, who played Sudan in what could be their only preparatory match in Cameroon before the tournament gets underway, had hoped to use the two games to put the final touches on their preparations.
They also wanted the match played at the Paul Biya Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations.
The opening ceremony will take place this Sunday and will be followed by the match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso. Mpandare said Zimbabwe were left with no option but to drop the plans for the friendly game.
“That game is no longer possible. Cameroon wanted to use the match venue for their opening game in the tournament but CAF advised that the venue is not available for use by any team five days before the start of the tournament, in line with the tournament rules.
read also:Tuanzebe set to join Napoli on loan
“So the Cameroonians wanted us to play on Monday (today) but we felt it was not ideal to play two games in successive days since we had another game lined up against Sudan (yesterday),” said Mpandare.
The Warriors have been camped in Cameroonian capital Yaoundé since last Thursday. Coach Norman Mapeza has been working on combinations and tactics ahead of the tournament, which kicks off this weekend.
Mapeza has been training with a squad of 18 players. They are expected to be joined by five overseas-based players, that include skipper Knowledge Musona, before they depart Yaoundé for Bafoussam on Wednesday. Musona is scheduled to join the camp tomorrow while Tino Kadewere, Admiral Muskwe, David Moyo and Jordan Zemura were expected today.
